Norwich City Zoning Code
ARTICLE III
Districts
§ 575-6 Establishment of districts.
A.
The City of Norwich is hereby divided into eight zoning districts as follows:
[Amended 3-18-2008 by Ord. No. 1-2008]
(1)
R-1 Residential Districts.
(2)
R-1A Residential Districts.
(3)
R-2 Residential Districts.
(4)
R-3 Residential Districts.
(5)
B-1 General Business Districts.
(6)
B-2 Highway Business Districts.
(7)
RR Railroad Districts.
(8)
IN Industrial Districts.
B.
The boundaries of these districts are hereby established as shown on a map entitled: "The Zoning Map of the City of Norwich," on file in the office of the City Clerk, which map, with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby made a part of this chapter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Zoning Map is included as an attachment to this chapter.
C.
Overlay districts.[2] The City of Norwich zoning overlay districts are as follows:
[Added 9-22-2009 by L.L. No. 2-2009]
(1)
MD Museum District Overlay.
(2)
HP Historic District Overlay.
[2]
Editor's Note: Maps and descriptions of these overlay districts are on file in the office of the City Clerk.
§ 575-7 Interpretation of district boundaries.
Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of any of the aforesaid districts as shown on the Zoning Map, the following rules apply:
A.
Where boundaries approximately follow streets, alleys, highways or railroad lines, the center line of such streets, alleys, highway or railroad lines shall be construed to be such district boundaries.
B.
Where boundaries parallel street lines, alley lines or highway right-of-way lines, such district boundaries shall be construed as being parallel thereto and at such distance therefrom as indicated on the Zoning Map. If no distance is given, such dimension shall be determined by the use of the scale on said Zoning Map.
C.
Where boundaries approximately follow lot lines, such lot lines shall be construed to be said boundaries.
D.
Where the boundary of a district follows a stream, lake or other body of water, said boundary line shall be construed to be at the limit of the jurisdiction of the City of Norwich, unless otherwise indicated.
§ 575-8 Transition zoning.
Lots in two districts: Where a district boundary line, as established in this chapter or as shown on the Zoning Map, divides a lot which was in single ownership and of record at the time of this chapter, the use thereon and the other district requirements applying to the least restricted portion of such lot under this chapter shall be considered as extending to the entire lot. The use so extended shall be deemed to be conforming.
§ 575-9 R-1 Residential Districts.
A.
Purpose. This district is designed to provide a suitable open character for single-family residences at relatively low densities. Other uses, which are permitted are uses typically found in residential neighborhoods, and which will complement the essential residential character of the area. In general, they either serve the residents or make unobtrusive neighbors to single-family residences. Some uses are permitted by special permit issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The ZBA may allow these uses where it can be demonstrated that they will not disturb the character of the area or otherwise prove intrusive.
B.
Permitted uses: See attached chart.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Use Table is included at the end of this chapter.
C.
Required open space: See attached chart.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: The Required Open Space Table is included at the end of this chapter.
§ 575-10 R-1A Residential Districts.
A.
Purpose. The uses permitted in this district are very similar to those in the R-1 District. The only difference between the two districts is that there is a smaller minimum lot size permitted in this district. Almost all of the land in this district is already developed. This district was created in 1968 by amendment to permit the continued use and improvement of these existing lots without necessitating cumbersome variance procedures.
B.
Permitted uses: See attached chart.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Use Table is included at the end of this chapter.
C.
Required open space: See attached chart.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: The Required Open Space Table is included at the end of this chapter.
§ 575-11 R-2 Residential Districts.
A.
Purpose.
(1)
This district is designed to provide for a wide variety of housing types in order to provide a broad range of choice. Higher densities are permitted in this district than in other residential districts, and, in general, this district continues the existing pattern of development.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
(2)
Certain housing types are permitted by special permit (to be issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals) to give the City the opportunity to review any potential adverse effect on the district as a whole.
(3)
Professional offices may be established in this district by special permit.
B.
Permitted uses: See attached chart.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: The Use Table is included at the end of this chapter.
C.
Required open space: See attached chart.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: The Required Open Space Table is included at the end of this chapter.
§ 575-12 R-3 Residential Districts.
A.
Purpose. The uses permitted in this district are very similar to those in a R-2 District. The only difference between the two districts is that office buildings, restaurants, and retail businesses are allowed by special permit, provided that the character of the residential neighborhood is not altered due to changes in traffic patterns, and changes to the exterior of the buildings are not such as to change the residential appearance of the buildings, or otherwise do not prove obtrusive to the neighborhood.
B.
Permitted uses: See attached chart.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Use Table is included at the end of this chapter.
C.
Required open space: See attached chart.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: The Required Open Space Table is included at the end of this chapter.
§ 575-13 B-1 General Business Districts.
A.
Purpose.
(1)
This district, in the center of Norwich, serves two functions. It is the largest regional commercial center within 30 miles in any direction. The downtown business area provides for a wide variety of the retail needs, not only for the residents of the City, but for the county as a whole. It also serves as the county seat for Chenango County. As a result, also located in this district are various governmental offices of the county and office space in the personal and professional offices usually attendant to a county seat.
(2)
By concentrating these uses in one area, each activity contributes to the economic viability of the surrounding uses.
B.
Permitted uses: See attached chart.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Use Table is included at the end of this chapter.
C.
Required open space: See attached chart.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: The Required Open Space Table is included at the end of this chapter.
§ 575-14 B-2 Highway Business Districts.
A.
Purpose.
(1)
This district is intended to provide a location for uses not appropriate to the core B-1 District. They may create traffic volumes at irregular hours, or may serve through travelers.
(2)
Careful attention in this district must always be given to prevent uncontrolled expansion and to properly landscape and screen activities from adjoining properties and passing traffic.
B.
Permitted uses: See attached chart.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Use Table is included at the end of this chapter.
C.
Required open space: See attached chart.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: The Required Open Space Table is included at the end of this chapter.
§ 575-15 RR Railroad District.
[Added 3-18-2008 by Ord. No. 1-2008]
A.
Purpose. The Railroad District is intended to provide a linear corridor through the City suitable for rail transportation and/or recreational trail development.
B.
Permitted uses: See attached chart.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Use Table is included at the end of this chapter.
C.
Required open space. No specific dimensional requirements are established for permitted uses in this zoning district.
§ 575-16 IN Industrial District.
A.
Purpose.
(1)
The Industrial District is intended to provide sufficient space, in appropriate locations, to meet the needs of the City's present and future industrial base. It is designed to insure that sufficient space is available for industrial and related uses by prohibiting the use of such space for new residential development.
(2)
The creation of this district is intended to encourage the investment and reinvestment in the industrial base of the City by the private sector, thereby strengthening the economic base of the City.
(3)
Certain commercial uses, which generate large traffic volume or excessive space requirements are also permitted.
B.
Permitted uses: See attached chart.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Use Table is included at the end of this chapter.
C.
Required open space: See attached chart.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: The Required Open Space Table is included at the end of this chapter.
§ 575-17 Museum District Overlay.
[Added 8-20-2002 by Ord. No. 5-2002]
A.
Purpose.
(1)
This district is designed to revitalize the existing neighborhood and enhance the community's historical heritage by:
(a)
Encouraging the construction of new buildings or renovation of existing structures to complement/coordinate with the prevalent architecture of the immediate neighborhood.
(b)
Creating public spaces that are safe, accessible and visually pleasing.
(c)
Minimizing the negative impact on existing neighborhoods.
(d)
Coordinating streetscapes within the Museum District, the Historic Districts and downtown.
(e)
Coordinating activities/expansion efforts.
(2)
The Museum District Overlay Zone is not meant to restrict any of the uses allowed in the underlying zones. It is the intent to allow additional uses through the granting of a special permit through the Zoning Board of Appeals.
(3)
All new construction and/or renovations shall meet the existing open space requirements of the underlying zone.
(4)
All new buildings shall be constructed to blend with existing structures in the vicinity in terms of height, scale, type and material.
B.
Permitted uses: See attached chart. Please refer to underlying zone as well as MD Zone.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Use Table is included at the end of this chapter.
§ 575-18 HP Historic District. [1]
A.
Historic District Overlay Zone. These districts identified as overlay zones to the City of Norwich Zoning Map will help to recognize and preserve important and irreplaceable, historic and cultural places, which are valued as a living part of the community heritage.
B.
Existing districts. The City of Norwich presently has two existing Historic Districts included on the United States National Register of Historic Places:
(1)
The North Broad Street Historic District. This district includes properties and buildings generally commencing from Newton Avenue south to include properties located on both sides of North Broad Street to the intersection of Cortland and Broad Streets, then continuing west to include properties located on the north side of Cortland Street up to and including residence No. 18.
(2)
The Court House Historic District. This district includes buildings generally located on West Main Street from the West Main Street School proceeding east to include property Nos. 42 and 31 on East Main Street, and beginning at the intersection of Fair Street and Mechanic Street proceeding south on Broad Street up to and including property Nos. 8 and 9.
C.
Applicability. The provisions of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places apply to structures and properties located within Historic Districts in the City of Norwich. The provisions of National Historic Listing include in part:
(1)
Owners of National Register sites may apply for machine grants-in-aid for acquisition and restoration of historic structures (National Historic Preservation Act of 1966).
(2)
Owners of National Register sites may apply for a twenty-five-percent investment tax credit for certified rehabilitations of historic buildings used for commercial, industrial and residential rental purposes (Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981).
(3)
Municipal, state and federal governments are required to give consideration to the historical significance of structures and properties located within historical districts before leasing or purchasing space in these areas.
(4)
The New York State Historic Preservation Act of 1980 requires state and, under certain circumstances, local agencies to consider the impacts of their activities on historical properties within preservation districts and to act to conserve such properties.
(5)
The New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) of 1975[2] requires that the state and local governments consider the overall environmental effects, including the impacts to objects of historical or aesthetic significance, before final approval of actions subject to this law.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Environmental Conservation Law § 8-0101 et seq.
D.
Map availability. A map that shows the delineation of Historic Districts in the City Norwich will be available for public review in the City of Norwich Clerk's office, as well as information pertaining to the Historic Preservation Act.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).